(Source: Wild Florida)
Shark Valley Trail, Everglades
US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) and 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike
Everglades, FL
(305) 221-8455
www.bikeflorida.net/sharkvalley_everglades
Shark Valley holds over 14.5 miles of bike trail, with an observation tower overlooking the expanse of the Everglades. Biking along the trail, it is not uncommon to come across gators sunning themselves on the grass, within touching distance of your pedals. Bikers are so used to seeing these creatures, that they have to bike around them at times. The Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cove offer short walks through different areas of Shark Valley. Bring your lunch and stay for the day. The park also rents out bikes in case you want to leave yours at home.
(Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
CB Smith Park
900 N. Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
(954) 357-5170
www.broward.org/Parks/CBSmithPark
This park just happens to be one of the oldest parks in South Florida, established in 1959. There is one area of the 299 acres that has become a haven for the endangered Burrowing Owl. Bikes are available for rent or you can bring your own. Along with the bike trail, the park offers a large RV campground, a tennis complex, a family golfing center and many other amenities. After a long bike ride, head over to their popular water park with its very own water slides and tube ride. Come biking at a time when an event such as a concert or chili-cookoff is taking place at the 5,000-capacity open-air amphitheater with a 32-foot-by-48-foot stage.
(Source: http://www.miamidade.gov)
Amelia Earhart Park
401 E 65th St.
Hialeah, FL 33013
(305) 685-8389
www.miamidade.gov
One of the most popular parks in South Florida, this 515-acre park is one of Florida’s largest water-based resources. The bike trails are extremely enjoyable for the entire family seeking to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. Amelia Earhart Park has a five acre bark park and even a petting zoo to keep the kids occupied. Many outdoor sports are played here such as soccer, golf, volleyball and even fishing. Visitors can also find picnic facilities, playgrounds and an old-fashioned country store. This is the superb park to make bike riding a family affair.
Cape Florida State Park
1200 South Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5811
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Cape-Florida
Not only is Cape Florida State Park a highly desirable park to ride bikes through, but, it also also has top-rated beach to enjoy. Get on your bike and ride to see the unusual collection of old fishing shacks built over the reefs, known as Stiltsville. One of the jewels of this park is the historic lighthouse built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Two restaurants offer visitors authentic South Florida cuisine, and the park also allows overnight boat camping.
(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Quiet Waters Park
401 S. Powerline Road
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(954) 357-5100
www.broward.org/Parks/QuietWatersPark
One of the most ravishing parks in South Florida is Quiet Waters. With such a large expanse of land, 431.4 acres, the park is proud to offer a splash adventure water park, marina, lakes, and is considered a paradise for water skiers. Leave your bike at home and just rent a bike when you get to the park, along with elbow and knee pads and even the use of a GoPro camera. Anyone who is an avid bike rider will tell you that the beauty of nature will captivate your interest and bring you back to bike ride many more times in the future.
Related: Best Places To Get Outdoors With The Family In South Florida
A longtime resident of Palm Beach County in South Florida, Hope Wilkos divides her passions between writing, fashion and scuba diving. With the gift of self-expression, Hope has used her writing skills to cover memorable events over the last five years and share that thrill and accomplishment with her readers. To achieve your goals, Hope strongly believes that you must “Follow Your Dream.”
